IT might be January, but Ukrainian children in Coventry and Warwickshire are already counting down the sleeps ‘til Santa.

That’s because they follow the Julian calendar which means their big day is nearly two weeks after the December 25 festivities.

On Friday night, families will tuck into a 12-course Christmas Eve meal, called the Holy Supper.

But the vegetarian dinner can only start once the first star appears in the eastern sky.

On Christmas Day in Coventry, families will attend mass at the Ukrainian Catholic Church, on the corner of Broad Street and Stoney Stanton Road, Foleshill.

Members of the Ukrainian Youth Association will later go carol singing.

Maria Dzula, chairman of the Ukrainian Youth Association, said: “With Christmas and New Year Celebrations nearly over for some members of the Coventry these celebrations have not yet begun for the Ukrainians.

“Our community rejoice when the children visit their homes with carols and seasonal greetings.”